We Build Natural and Organic Pools in Texas

A relatively new type of pool gaining in popularity in Texas and all across the United States is the natural, or organic, swimming pool. A natural pool differs from a conventional pool in that the filtration and purification of the pool water is done naturally, through the biologic processes of plants. The swimming area of a natural pool is surrounded by another area of almost equal size known as the regeneration zone. This zone is filled with a variety of locally occurring water plants and micro-organisms that work in combination to clean and filter the water as it passes through the roots of the plants.

Chlorine Free Organic Swimming Pools

You may have noticed by now, there has been no mention at all of chlorine, since natural pools do not rely on added chemicals. By far the most attractive feature of natural or organic pools is the complete lack of toxic chemicals. Chlorine and bromine, the most popular disinfecting pool chemicals, are commonly responsible for skin and eye irritations as well as bleaching of hair and swimsuits. They also end up in the sewer systems, since chemically treated pools must be flushed more often, as well as periodically being drained and refilled.

Natural Pools are Naturally Cleaned

A natural pool relies on its own mini-ecosystem to keep bacteria at bay, and natural pools have been commonly used in Europe since the mid 1980s with no further health risks than occur in conventional pools.

Organic pools come in all shapes and sizes, from backyard swimming ponds, as they are called in Europe, to a rectangular, turquoise box that looks just like a conventional pool. Free flowing pond shapes are common and appear to be the most natural, with the surrounding vegetation adding beauty as well as usefulness.

Environment Friendly Swimming Pools

In addition to the plants selected for their filtration properties, flowering plants such as lilies and marsh marigolds can be added to the mix as well. As the natural ponds are actually mini-ecosystems, it isn’t uncommon to find dragonflies, water striders and even a frog or salamander checking out the environment.

Since the natural pool is built without internal plumbing, drains, and pipes to move the heated, treated water around, they don’t need to be drained and winterized like a conventional pool in a cold climate. The main concern is for the plant life that surrounds the pool, so it is important to choose local species that are adapted to the particular climate in which the pool is built.

Natural pools are also much less energy intensive, using just a small pump or two along with gravity to circulate the water between the swimming and regenerative zones of the pool.

Keeping the pool clean of organic debris is important since too much plant matter like falling leaves or blossoms decomposing on the pool bottom will throw off the balance of micro-organisms. Maintenance can be as simple as stringing a net across the top of the pool during debris shedding seasons, and caring for the regenerative vegetation on a year-round basis.

Whether for environmental reasons, or because you just can’t stand the smell and feel of chlorine on your body, a natural, organic pool is definitely worth considering.